The problem with the Graham Ford situation is not as much with the refusal as with the timing. The BCCI played itself into a situation where there was no time left for the unforeseen. It suggests either arrogance or lack of planning, but there is no doubt that it is an embarrassment. People can say what they want to the contrary but only the naive will buy it.
If, however, they had followed a process, like Mr Srinivasan’s India Cements does so well, they would have interviewed four or five candidates and ranked them. So the moment the first candidate said no, the next would have been ready. Now, we have begun a hectic cycle of Cricket with a stop-gap arrangement and that cannot be beneficial. There’s been a mess-up but, like with all mess-ups, if you don’t acknowledge one, and do something about it, the next one will be round the corner. But for some reason the BCCI doesn’t like to say “sorry, we goofed”. There is no shame in saying it, indeed those that don’t, reveal their real self.
Now, the BCCI has bought time. A truce seems to have been achieved with the players, even if it seems a temporary truce. And a trusted, respected man has been asked to hold the baby till a more permanent candidate emerges. But there are other issues, rather more boring but critical issues! India’s captain has asked for three games before the first Test in Australia, a perfectly valid request since India have always struggled with the bounce when they go there after having played in our conditions just before. Instead, the captain has been told by the secretary that, being professionals, they should be able to adjust with the one they have been provided.
I am flabbergasted. If I was Rahul Dravid I would have bowed and said “excuse me sir, I play for India. Whose side are you on?” I suspect Dravid is trying harder to win in Australia than the secretary! India are in Australia for more than seventy days and it is difficult to keep the intensity up for so long (talking of which, how come Australia don’t come to India for seventy days?). If they lose the first Test, it will be a very very long tour.
